"[Mixtapes were] how I was introduced to music that has been so important to me," she tells The Boot. "Someone made me a mix of Maria McKee and Lone Justice, and someone made me a tape that had Mary Lou Lord, Big Star and the Jayhawks. I was 18 years old -- I didn't know about these people. I just found so much neat new music that way because people really did this kind thing."

The North Carolinian would revisit the subject on 'Mixtape,' one of 12 songs from her new album, 'See You on the Moon.' While some of the country elements that have long been associated with her music can be heard on the record, 'See You on the Moon' also reflects a continued evolution in her sound and approach.

Tift's new record, See You on the Moon came out June 1st on Fantasy Records/Concord, and features production by Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, Sufjan Stevens, Laura Veirs, Spoon) and guest spots by Jim James and pedal steel guitarist Greg Leisz.